ISLAMABAD:
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Tuesday referred the case of the Karakoram Highway project redesign to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), citing alleged violations of Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules.
During a PAC meeting chaired by Junaid Akbar Khan, audit officials reported serious irregularities in the redesigning process of the Karakoram Highway. According to the audit, the project’s cost escalated drastically from Rs4 billion to Rs36 billion due to the redesign.
Officials from the Ministry of Water Resources explained that the redesign had become necessary following the launch of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and that the new road design aligns with CPEC standards.
Committee member Sanaullah Masti Khel noted that while an ordinary road may cost Rs1 billion, a road meeting CPEC standards could cost Rs10 billion. He added that public concerns are justified, remarking “wherever you look, you find military personnel minting money.”
Another committee member, Aamir Dogar, pointed out the growing trend of appointing retired military generals as chairmen of the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda). PAC chairman Junaid Akbar added that they would continue to see former generals getting key positions. WAPDA Chairman Lt Gen (retd) Sajjad Ghani defended his appointment, saying it was based on merit. He emphasized that he has 45 years of relevant experience and that his selection for the position should not be linked to his military background.
During the session, Senator Shibli Faraz questioned the Wapda chairman regarding the redesign of the Karakoram Highway project. “On what basis did you change the design? “Who are you to make that decision? Do you think of yourself as God? What kind of ego is this?” the lawmaker asked sharply.
The secretary of Water Resources said that an inquiry has been ordered and they did not ask for the audit para to be settled. The PAC chairman asked how did the project even begin if there was no land.
Chairman Junaid Akbar Khan remarked that every single one of the Wapda projects is delayed. “You won’t be able to defend this,” he said as the PAC referred the matter to NAB. Khan also informed the members that the committee has recovered more than Rs118 billion in just two months. “These figures are not ours, but those of the Auditor General of Pakistan,” he said.
A report presented by the Ministry of Water Resources revealed that almost all major water projects in Pakistan are facing delays. Out of seven major projects, not even one has reached 50% completion.
